Irish National Opera serves up a terrifically entertaining Faust

Nicholas Brownlee (Méphistophélès) and Duke Kim (Faust)

Jennifer Davis (Marguerite) and Duke Kim (Faust)

Gyula Nagy (Valentin), Jennifer Davis (Marguerite) and the Irish National Opera Chorus

Jennifer Davis (Marguerite)

By Andrew Larkin, 01 October 2023

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“ultimately Faust is condemned too is a hell of his own making”

Reviewed at Gaiety Theatre, Dublin on 1 October 2023

Gounod, Faust

Irish National Opera

Elaine Kelly, Conductor

Jack Furness, Director

Francis O'Connor, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Sarah-Jane Shiels, Lighting Designer

Irish National Opera Orchestra

Irish National Opera Chorus

Duke Kim, Faust

Nicholas Brownlee, Méphistophélès

Jennifer Davis, Marguerite

Gemma Ní Bhriain, Siebel

Colette McGahon, Marthe

Gyula Nagy, Valentin

Mark Nathan, Wagner

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

A rollicking Wild West Elisir in Dublin that hits all the right notes

Andrew Larkin, 27th May

Donizetti heads West in Cal McCrystal's riotous, laugh-out-loud L'elisir d’amore, where dazzling singing meets cowboy capers in a gloriously zany production for Irish National Opera.

*****

Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Andrew Larkin, 23rd March

Ireland’s first Wagner opera in over a decade dazzles with a captivating production by Rachael Hewer for Irish National Opera.

****1

Terrifically strong principals in Irish National Opera’s Rigoletto

Andrew Larkin, 1st December

Michael Chioldi, Soraya Mafi and Bekhzod Davronov shine in Julien Chavez’ energetic production in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre.

****1

Strong voices shine amidst Fuchs' superficially garish Traviata

Andrew Larkin, 21st May

Strong vocals from the three principal singers and a sure musical direction from young conductor Farrell help offset some of the less than convincing elements to Olivia Fuchs' production.

***11

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Andrew Larkin

Andrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin.